Estate planning is a critical part of ensuring not only one's own financial well-being, but also those of his or her beneficiaries. Often associated with estate planning, the term "probate" often carries negative connotations. This may be caused by its portrayal in...
The right approach to estate planning and probate
Most people in Florida know that they need to have an estate plan in place. However, for a variety of reasons, some individuals put off this highly important task. Some people may believe that they have insufficient assets to warrant an estate plan. Others may believe...
Can a trust help you avoid probate?
For many Florida residents, estate planning can be a challenge. For starters, many people are simply unfamiliar with many of the estate planning options available to them, while others put off the task until later, whenever that is. However, for those who realize the...
Understand the basics about will requirements in Florida
Most people in Florida know what a will is supposed to do as part of an estate plan. This document is intended to specify how the person who makes it, called the testator, wants their assets distributed upon death, as well as noting any potential guardian for minor...
Think you don’t need a will? Think again
Most Florida residents know that they need to have an estate plan in place, yet the task of estate planning is routinely one that is pushed aside to be addressed later. But, no one knows what is going to happen to them today, tomorrow or anytime in the future. So, is...
The estate tax and its exemptions
There are a lot of considerations that have to go into estate planning. As we have discussed on this blog previously, individuals must consider whether wills and trusts will be beneficial to them and, if so, how best to craft them to meet their needs. While the focus...
Include digital assets when estate planning
The world is not the same as it was 50 years ago. It is not even the same as it was five years ago. Generally speaking, our lives have become digitized on a massive scale. Money can come and go without one seeing a physical bank note, and our lives are documented on...
Living wills and the power of attorney for health care
Quite frequently, those who engage in estate planning maintain their focus on the financial aspects of the process. Sure, deciding how to distribute assets and diminish debts is of critical importance in these matters, but they are not the only concerns that...
Estate planning: trust basics
Many Floridians hate thinking about their own mortality. This is completely natural. Yet, considering our ultimate demise is important when it comes to estate planning. After all, those who fail to figure out how to address their assets and debt in the event of their...
When can a will be contested?
Estate planning is generally something than many people neglect until it is almost too late. This procrastination should be avoided at all costs, as doing so could endanger the estate's assets in many ways. Property may go to the individual whom the deceased did not...
